We are still a week away
from Christmas, but today we hear a Gospel reading from Matthew about Jesus’
birth, which might seem a bit strange for us. We hear a Gospel reading
that we are also going to hear this upcoming Sunday about Joseph and his journey just prior to the birth of
Jesus. Joseph was surprised to hear about the upcoming birth, since he and Mary had
not yet had relations. So often around this time of the year, we hear a lot about Mary, but today the
emphasis is on Joseph. Joseph has an angel come to him in a dream giving him instructions as to what
he must do, with Joseph following exactly what the angel told him to do. Joseph discerned God’s will for him, but the path that God had chosen for him
was certainly not the easiest path. God gave Joseph a message of encouragement during this difficult part of his
journey, and Joseph was willing to respond to this encouragement. Joseph had already made up his mind as to what to do, but he was willing to
change his mind according to the will of God.
May we all have the grace to bring the decisions we have to make to the
Lord. May we allow God’s will and God’s grace to act in our lives, no matter how
difficult and challenging it might be.
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